**The following information is based on a preliminary and ongoing
investigation, which continues to evolve as investigators interview
witnesses, review physical and electronic records, and analyze
forensic evidence. The Department's understanding of the facts and
circumstances may change as additional evidence is collected and
analyzed**

Gardena: Los Angeles Police
Department's Force Investigation Division is investigating an
Officer-Involved Shooting (OIS) that occurred in the City of
Gardena late Tuesday evening.

On March 7, 2017, around 8:00 p.m., a male Hispanic suspect (who
was later identified as Jose Castro) was involved in a domestic
incident with a female victim in the area of Main and 102nd
Streets. Castro then armed himself with a large kitchen knife and
carjacked a late model white Dodge Ram pick up truck from an
additional male victim. Castro and the female victim entered the
truck and fled from the area. Southeast Area Patrol officers
responded to the location of the Robbery/Grand Theft Auto (GTA),
conducted a crime broadcast with the vehicle and suspect
description and subsequently completed an Investigative
Report.

Shortly there after, around 10:22 p.m., uniformed Southeast Area
Gang Enforcement Detail (GED) officers saw Castro driving the
pickup truck in the area of 102nd Street and Croesus Avenue and
attempted to make a traffic stop. Castro failed to stop and a
vehicle pursuit was initiated. Southeast Patrol officers took over
as primary and secondary units during the pursuit, accompanied by
additional GED units. The pursuit traveled into the City of Gardena
and while driving northbound on Broadway towards 140th Street, the
primary unit requested and obtained permission from the supervisor
in the pursuit to deploy a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) on
the pick up truck. The PIT maneuver was successful and the truck
spun out, eventually coming to rest on a grass strip in the 14000
block of South Broadway. As the officers tactically deployed, the
female victim attempted to flee from within the truck as Castro
followed armed with the large knife. Castro began to stab the
victim multiple times at which time an OIS occurred.

Castro sustained a gunshot wound and fell onto the sidewalk and was
taken into custody without further incident. A large kitchen knife
was recovered on the ground near Castro.

Two Los Angeles County contract ambulances responded and
transported Castro and the female victim separately to a local
hospital for medical treatment. Castro was treated for a gunshot
wound and the victim was treated for multiple stab wounds to her
back. Both Castro and the victim were subsequently listed in stable
condition.
No officers or bystanders were injured during this incident.

LAPD's specialized Force Investigation Division (FID) responded to
the scene and began interviewing witnesses and collecting forensic
evidence. FID will also review and collect all available body worn
and digital in car video. The Office of the Inspector General and
the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office had a
representative at the scene. The complete investigation will be
reviewed by the Chief of Police and the Board of Police
Commissioners to determine whether the use of deadly force complied
with LAPD's policies and procedures. The Los Angeles District
Attorney's Office will also review the evidence collected during
the investigation to determine whether any criminal laws were
violated.

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is urged
to call the LAPD at any of the following numbers:
• During business hours at (213) 486-5230;
• During non-business hours or on weekends at (877)-LAPD-24-7
(877-527-3247);
• Anonymously 24-hours a day to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS
(800-222-8477) or by texting "LAPD" and your tip to phone number
274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S); or
• Online at www.lapdonline.org and click on "Anonymous Web
Tips.